We were invited to the launch of the 2014 Renault Megane, so look out for the driving impression in the next few hours.

The Renault Megane range has received a much-needed facelift and the vehicle line-up looks to continue the success for the French brand in South Africa.

Since 1995, the Renault Megane has been the top of the range vehicle in the French carmaker’s arsenal and now the latest incarnation has reached South African shores.The Renault Megane Model Year 2014, to give it its full name, now features the same brand identity from designer Laurens Van den Acker, the man responsible for the pretty Renault Clio 4.

2014 Renault Megane model range

There’s two new models too, which makes things quite interesting. The 2014 Renault Megane GT-Line offers impressive on-paper performance from an all-new 1.2-litre engine. This engine premieres in South Africa and combines 97 kW with fuel economy of 5.4 l /100km.

The other new model is the 2014 Renault Megane GT Turbo with 162 kW. With engineering from the Renault Sport team, this performer offers best in class technologies such as Live navigation and keyless unlocking/locking. Think of this as a bargain RenaultSport Megane, offering 90% of the thrills for less money.

For those who are stretched by budget, there’s also now an 81 kW Dynamique version occupying the base level. The Dynamique, GT-Line and GT Turbo are all available in three-door coupe or five-door hatchback versions.

Renault are safety fanatics and the latest 2014 Renault Megane range comes standard with six airbags, ABS coupled with Emergency Brake Assist (EBA), cruise control plus speed limiter and Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with electronic anti-slip regulation (ASR) as well as 3-point ISOFIX seat anchorage on side rear seats.

Standard specification is quite generous too and the vehicles all come standard with dual-zone climate control, fingertip controls behind the steering wheel, integrated navigation system including Live services, Bluetooth connectivity, USB port, auto locking / unlocking system and rear park assist.

2014 Renault Megane Price in South Africa

The price includesRenault’s industry-leading five-year/ 150 000km Warranty complemented by a standard five-year/ 90 000 km Service Plan. It’s interesting to note that Renault South Africa is committed to parts availability.The company has a stock in excess of 17000 spare parts in its warehouse located in Rosslyn outside Pretoria with 95% of parts ordered, picked and delivered to every Renault dealer countrywide in under 24 hours.

Mégane MY2014 Dynamique 81 kW Hatch or Coupé R249900

Mégane MY2014 GT-Line Turbo 97 kW Hatch or Coupé R279 900

Mégane MY2014 GT Turbo 162 kW Hatch or Coupé R329 900